September 5, 2005,

I apologize for not being able to respond to your email in a timely manner. I sincerely thank you for your prayers and offer of assistance. As you are probably aware of, our brothers and sisters to the east of St. Charles Parish, New Orleans, Plaquemine, St. Bernard, Jefferson and St. Tammany parishes were devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Numerous Public Safety employees have lost everything they own due to this devastation.

LA APCO & NENA Chapters are working with the 911Cares Program to provide relief and aid to the Comm Centers and public safety employees and their families.

Information that I have received from these parishes is that their personnel are okay; however they will need funds, clothing & other necessities to get their lives back together.

I had previously advertised the Luling VFD, 1603 Paul Mallard Road, Luling, LA 70070 as a supply collection point. Unfortunately, UPS has suspended deliveries to this address.

Tangipahoa 9-1-1 Director, Denise Larousse has offered his assistance. Please send items VIA UPS to the Tangipahoa 9-1-1 Communications Center, 211 Campo Lane, Amite, LA 70422. All other delivers can still be sent to the Luling Address.

Gift cards and monetary donations can be sent to the La APCO-NENA Chapter’s, Disaster Relief Fund, P.O. Box 82236, Lafayette, LA 70598-2236.

Once again on behalf of the LA APCO/NENA Chapters and the individuals affected by this disaster, we sincerely thank you for your prayers and any assistance that you can give or offer.

Sincerely,

Craig Petit, ENP

LA APCO President